Plaid remains as a trend for fall. It's a particularly good pattern for work because it can look very professional and not too uptight if styled right. If you are seeing a lot of this classic pattern in the stores, check out these tips on how to wear plaid to work.
How to Wear Plaid to Work
Outfit #1 You don't have to look like a bagpipe player when wearing plaid to work. There are many subtle patterns out there that address this trend without going overboard. This Hugo Boss dress is a perfect example of this. It's understated and easy to make look modern and sophisticated. In this look, I added an obi belt from Lafayette 148 and, for an unexpected pop, a pair of burgundy shoes from Nine West. The rest of the look is accessorized with a gold cuff from gorjana, studs from Rebecca Minkoff and black bag from Vince Camuto.
Outfit #2 Tattersall is a plaid pattern that is really clean and understated. A pair of pants in a tattersall plaid might be easier than a bold plaid pair. This pair from J. Crew, for example, can be treated like a solid color pair of pants and can be styled with other colors. In this outfit, I added this Tuxe bodysuit in a soft pink and layered a navy cardigan from Theory over it. It's a perfect dress casual outfit for work that is far from boring. The outfit is accessorized with a pair of grey suede booties from Cole Haan, hot pink convertible bag from DVF and a Lucite link statement necklace from Alexis Bittar fills in the neckline.
Outfit #3 For work, you can wear plaid without the commitment when you choose this pattern in a coat or outerwear piece, like this wrap from Boden that drapes well over this knit turtleneck dress from Theory. To create an early autumnal look, I used these heeled cognac boots from Calvin Klein, evergreen handbag from Coach and hammered medallion earrings from Nest.
Outfit #4 You can add plaid to your wardrobe without buying new clothes. Try a plaid handbag or shoes, like this pair of flats by Nordstrom. They add an instant trend update to an existing work look, like these grey work pants, Tahari top in green and black Rebecca Taylor cardigan. The outfit is further accessorized with a yellow handbag from Topshop and green and yellow earrings from Max & Chloe.
Outfit #5 You can wear more traditional plaid styles, like this classic pencil skirt from Zara, and make them look fresher with more updated accessories. In this outfit, this simple white shirt from Madwell with the plaid skirt looks more interesting with these funkier cognac shoes from Modcloth. The top has been belted with a belt from Michael Kors, and the look is finished with a Longchamp bag and garnet drop earrings.
Shop for plaid for work